The Angels’ Albert Pujols heads to the dugout after striking out looking to end the bottom of the first inning against the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Angels pitcher Yusmeiro Petit stands on the mound after giving up a two-run home run to the Cleveland Indians Francisco Lindor in the top of the seventh inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Ricky Nolasco throws to the plate against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Ricky Nolasco throws to the plate against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Andrelton Simmons is helped up by Justin Upton, left, and Mike Trout after making a barehanded catch on a Jay Bruce pop-up to end the top of the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Mike Trout breaks his bat in the bottom of the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Cleveland Indians Josh Tomlin throws to the plate during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Albert Pujols heads to the dugout after striking out looking to end the bottom of the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Justin Upton tosses his helmet after being stranded in the bottom of the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Ricky Nolasco prepares to throw against the Cleveland Indians at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Andrelton Simmons singles in the second inning in front of Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto Perez at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Kole Calhoun scores past Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto Perez on a C.J. Cron single in the second inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Kole Calhoun celebrates in the dugout after scoring on a C.J. Cron single in the second inning against the Cleveland Indians at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels C.J. Cron hits an RBI single in the second inning against the Cleveland Indians at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Mike Trout prepares to bat in the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels C.J. Cron hits a solo home run against the Cleveland Indians in the bottom of the fifth inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels C.J. Cron watches his solo home run against the Cleveland Indians in the bottom of the fifth inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Yusmeiro Petit throws to the plate against the Cleveland Indians during the sixth inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Yusmeiro Petit sits in the dugout after pitching the top of the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Cleveland Indians Francisco Lindor hits a two-run home run in the top of the seventh inning off of Los Angeles Angels reliever Yusmeiro Petit at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Cleveland Indians Francisco Lindor celebrates with Giovanny Urshela after his two-run home run in the top of the seventh inning off of Los Angeles Angels reliever Yusmeiro Petit at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona welcomes Francisco Lindor into the dugout after his two-run home run in the top of the seventh inning off of Los Angeles Angels reliever Yusmeiro Petit at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Los Angeles Angels’ C.J. Cron, right, rounds the bases after a home run off Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Josh Tomlin during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

The Los Angeles Angels Brandon Phillips laughs with Ben Revere in the dugout after scoring in the bottom of the seventh inning against the Cleveland Indians at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Eduardo Paredes throws to the plate against the Cleveland Indians during the eighth inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Brandon Phillips tags out the Cleveland Indians’ Jose Ramirez trying to stretch a single to end the top of the eighth inning during the Angels’ 6-5 loss at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Albert Pujols hits a solo home run in front of the Cleveland Indians’ Roberto Prez in the bottom of the eighth inning during the Angels’ 6-5 loss at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Albert Pujols watches his solo home run in front of the Cleveland Indians’ Roberto Prez in the bottom of the eighth inning during the Angels’ 6-5 loss at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Cleveland Indians’ Greg Allen can’t reach this home run by the Los Angeles Angels Albert Pujols in the bottom of the eighth inning during the Angels’ 6-5 loss at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Albert Pujols rounds the bases past the Cleveland Indians’ Carlos Santana after his solo home run in the bottom of the eighth inning during the Angels’ 6-5 loss at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Los Angeles Angels’ Albert Pujols celebrates after a home run against the Cleveland Indians during the eighth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

The Los Angeles Angels Albert Pujols is congratulated in the dugout after his sol home run against the Cleveland Indians in the bottom of the eighth inning during the Angels’ 6-5 loss at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Angels Blake Parker throws to the plate against the Cleveland Indians during the Angels’ 6-5 loss at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Los Angeles Angels’ Kole Calhoun (56) celebrates at the dugout with Albert Pujols after scoring on a single by C.J. Cron during the second inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout breaks his bat and flies out against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Cleveland Indians’ Giovanny Urshela hits an RBI single against the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Cleveland Indians’ Jason Kipnis watches his RBI double against the Los Angeles Angels during the second inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Cleveland Indians’ Carlos Santana celebrates in the dugout after scoring during the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Cleveland Indians fans celebrate after their 6-5 victory over the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Cleveland Indians’ Francisco Lindor and Edwin Encarnacion celebrate after their 6-5 victory over the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

ANAHEIM — Proof of the urgency of the situation for the Angels came in the sixth inning on Wednesday night, when Yusmeiro Petit came jogging in from the bullpen.

By using one of his best relievers in a tie game, Manager Mike Scioscia was demonstrating that he understands time is running short and victories are vital. Not only did Scioscia use Petit in a tie game, but he used Blake Parker when the Angels were down a run.

Neither worked.

The Angels lost, 6-5, to the Cleveland Indians, missing a second straight opportunity to gain ground in the race for the last spot in the postseason.

Related Articles

With 11 games to go, the Angels are still 1½ games behind the Minnesota Twins, who have lost five of six but maintained their lead over the struggling Angels.

The Angels have been unable to catch the Twins because they have run into the hottest team in baseball, an Indians squad fresh off a record-setting 22-game winning streak. They showed how tough they are by hitting both Petit and Parker, their two most consistent pitchers — not just relievers — all season.

“It’s one of those nights where our bullpen, which has been there the whole season, stubbed its toe a little bit,” Scioscia said. “Yusmeiro has been there time in and time out. He’ll get the ball tomorrow if his role comes up, and he’ll do a good job. He’ll be fine.”

Petit seemed not the least bit shaken by an outing in which he was charged with three runs, equaling the total he’d yielded in his previous 18 games.

“One bad night,” Petit said. “I’ll take it. I made mistakes today and I had to pay.”

Petit brought a 2.09 ERA to the mound in the sixth, with the score tied, 2-2, after Ricky Nolasco’s solid five innings and a pair of RBI from C.J. Cron, one on a homer.

Petit pitched a perfect sixth, although two of the outs were on line drives that found gloves in the outfield. In the seventh, he wasn’t so lucky. He missed on a location to Giovanny Urshela, who singled. Francisco Lindor then blasted a two-run homer, the first homer Petit had allowed since Aug. 6. Petit gave up another hit and was then pulled. The runner scored while Keynan Middleton was on the mound.

“I missed a lot of pitches today,” Petit said. “No excuse for that.”

Down 5-2, though, the Angels rallied with two outs in the bottom of the seventh.

Pinch hitter Ben Revere reached on an infield hit, his fourth hit in his last seven pinch-hit at-bats. Brandon Phillips followed with a blooper into right. As Phillips slid into second, the throw from right fielder Jay Bruce hit him and rolled away, just far enough for Revere to score.

Mike Trout, who had been hitless in his previous seven at-bats despite hitting four balls hard, then hit a soft pop fly that dropped inside the right field line, driving in another run.

Parker then entered with a runner at second in the eighth, trying to hold the deficit at one run, and he gave up a run-scoring single to Jose Ramirez.

That run turned out be huge, because Albert Pujols led off the bottom of the eighth with a solo homer, his 23rd of the year. Kole Calhoun then drew a walk, putting the potential trying run on base.

Cleveland summoned reliever Bryan Shaw, who retired the final six hitters of the game, including a strikeout of Trout to end it.

The Angels’ 10th straight loss to the Indians was another frustrating one, with so many ways that this game could have flipped.

“We just didn’t win,” Phillips said. “I think we played a good game. They’re a great team. They got key hits in key situations. They did a great job. We played a great game. They just outplayed us toward the end.”

Jeff Fletcher has covered the Angels since 2013. Before that, he spent 11 years covering the Giants and A's and working as a national baseball writer. Jeff is a Hall of Fame voter. In 2015, he was elected chairman of the Los Angeles chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Join the Conversation

We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. Although we do not pre-screen comments, we reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions.

If you see comments that you find offensive, please use the “Flag as Inappropriate” feature by hovering over the right side of the post, and pulling down on the arrow that appears. Or, contact our editors by emailing moderator@scng.com.